Vow as equality chief visits Paisley

Public bodies will have to put reducing poverty and inequality at the heart of their decision making, the Scottish Government has announced.

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance announced a consultation into the plan when she visited the STAR Project in Paisley yesterday.

The introduction of a socioeconomic duty was included in the UK Government’s Equality Act 2010 but it was never implemented.

The Scottish Government is looking for people’s views on how best to apply it across the public sector.

Ms Constance said: “Tackling inequalities will never be an optional extra for this government – it is core to everything we do. Public bodies already do a huge amount to reduce inequalities, but with more than one in four children in poverty, we must all work together to do more and make a difference.

“The duty will further embed this into the DNA of public sector decisionmaking – including that of Scottish Ministers. It is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”

Trish Dunlop, head of programmes for the project, said: “It was a really successful visit. She was at the project for an hour and she spoke to people and heard about their involvement and some of the different things we do.”

The STAR Project is an awardwinning community organisation which was established in 1999. It aims to deliver sustainable and positive outcomes in the north end of Paisley and beyond. Renfrewshire Council leader, Councillor Iain Nicolson, said: “The STAR Project is one of Renfrewshire’s key partners, working towards our ambition that every child reaches their full potential, regardless of their background.

“We know the reasons behind poverty and deprivation are complex, which is why understanding local issues and providing opportunities that really support people and families, where and when they need it, continues to be vital for Renfrewshire.

“Acting locally in partnership with organisations like the STAR Project makes a real difference to the lives of many families and this supports parents and carers to ensure children feel healthy, happy and valued, no matter how much money is in a household.”

The eight-week public consultation is open now and closes on September 12. To have your say, go to https:// consult. scotland. gov. uk/ socialjustice/the-socio-economic-duty/

Tackling inequalities will never be an optional extra